单词释义
blackmail /ˈblækmeɪl/ (n. & v.)
名词:勒索;敲诈
动词:以揭发隐私或丑闻等手段胁迫他人做某事或付钱
词源小知识
“Blackmail”最早起源于16世纪苏格兰边境地区,原指农民向地方强盗支付“保护费”以避免牲畜被偷。其中 “black” 暗示非法或不正当,“mail” 在古英语中意为“租金”或“付款”。
常见搭配
- be subjected to blackmail(遭受勒索)
- threaten someone with blackmail(以勒索威胁某人)
- extort money through blackmail(通过勒索敲诈钱财)
- fall victim to blackmail(成为勒索的受害者)
实用例句
- The celebrity was blackmailed by a former employee who threatened to leak private photos.
- He denied any involvement in the blackmail scheme.
- Never respond to online blackmail attempts—report them immediately.
学习提示
“Blackmail” 通常带有强烈的负面道德色彩,在正式写作或新闻报道中需谨慎使用。注意其与 “bribery”(贿赂)的区别:前者是威胁,后者是利诱。